The First fm/c of Heavy-Ion Collisions

Abstract

We present an introductory review of the early time dynamics of high-energy heavy-ion collisions and the kinetics of high temperature QCD. The equilibration mechanisms in the quark-gluon plasma uniquely reflect the non-abelian and ultra-relativistic character of the many body system. Starting with a brief expose of the key theoretical and experimental questions, we provide an overview of the theoretical tools employed in weak coupling studies of the early time non-equilibrium dynamics. We highlight theoretical progress in understanding different thermalization mechanisms in weakly coupled non-abelian plasmas, and discuss their relevance in describing the approach to local thermal equilibrium during the first $\mathrm{fm}/c$ of a heavy-ion collision. Some important connections to the phenomenology of heavy-ion collisions are also briefly discussed.

31 pages, 7 figures